Ryanair Cancellation Policy: What You Need to Know

Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, is known for its affordable fares and extensive network of destinations. However, like all airlines, Ryanair has a cancellation policy in place to deal with unforeseen circumstances that may arise. If you have a flight booked with Ryanair and need to cancel it, it's important to understand their cancellation policy to avoid any surprises. Here's what you need to know about Ryanair's cancellation policy.

1. Cancellation Fees: Ryanair charges a cancellation fee for most flight cancellations. The fee amount depends on the fare type and the timing of the cancellation. Ryanair has different fare types, including Standard, Plus, Flexi Plus, and Family Plus, each with its own cancellation fee structure. For example, as of April 2023, for a Standard fare, if you cancel more than 2 hours before the scheduled flight departure time, the cancellation fee is €40/£40 per passenger, per flight segment. However, if you cancel within 2 hours of the scheduled flight departure time or do not show up for the flight, the cancellation fee is €100/£100 per passenger, per flight segment. It's important to check the specific cancellation fee for your fare type and the timing of your cancellation on Ryanair's website or by contacting their customer service.

2. Refunds: Ryanair's refund policy is limited. In general, Ryanair does not provide refunds for flights that are cancelled by the passenger. However, if your flight is cancelled by Ryanair due to operational reasons, such as aircraft maintenance issues or crew availability, you may be eligible for a refund. In such cases, Ryanair will refund the cost of the unused flight segment(s) to the original form of payment. It's worth noting that Ryanair may offer alternative options, such as rebooking or rerouting, instead of a refund, and it's important to carefully review and understand these options before making a decision.

3. Flexi Plus Fare: If you have booked a Flexi Plus fare with Ryanair, you enjoy more flexibility in terms of cancellations and changes. Flexi Plus fare allows you to cancel your flight for any reason and receive a full refund of the fare, taxes, and fees paid, minus the administration fee. As of April 2023, the administration fee for a Flexi Plus fare is €35/£35 per passenger, per flight segment. Additionally, Flexi Plus fare also includes other benefits such as free seat selection, priority boarding, and a larger cabin bag allowance, which can be advantageous if you need more flexibility and additional perks.

4. COVID-19 Related Cancellations: In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Ryanair has implemented special provisions for flight cancellations due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions or disruptions. If your flight is cancelled by Ryanair due to a COVID-19 related reason, such as travel restrictions imposed by a government authority, Ryanair may offer you the option to rebook your flight for free or receive a voucher for the full value of the booking, which can be used towards a future flight with Ryanair. However, it's important to note that these provisions may vary depending on the specific circumstances and Ryanair's current policy at the time of your cancellation.

5. Process for Cancellation: To cancel a Ryanair flight, you can do so online by logging into your Ryanair account or by contacting Ryanair's customer service. If you cancel online, you will be guided through the cancellation process and the applicable fees will be displayed before you confirm the cancellation. If you cancel through customer service, be prepared to provide your booking details and be aware that Ryanair may charge additional fees for cancellations made through their call.